Minda High School in Maphisa, Matabeleland South has set itself on a collision course with the government after it ordered parents to pay incentives for teachers.
In a letter to parents and guardians, the School Development Committee (SDC) said a payment of US$20 will be made per term.
“Following an agreement by parents to donate a termly US$20 towards teachers’ welfare, an account was opened and the funds can be deposited to Minda High School SDC, Agribank Account number: 100006679123 Maphisa branch,” read the notice.
The SDC said the incentives will motivate teachers to attend class on a daily basis instead of two days per week.
“The teachers are actually expecting the donation in the month of April so that the children can be attended to daily as opposed to the current situation where their unions have instructed them to teach for only two days a week,” said the SDC.
“For those with cash, you can either pay at the school or indicate your willingness so that arrangements can be made to collect the money at some convenient venue.” they said.
However, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry Director of Communication and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro said it is agaoinst government policy to demand incentives for teachers.
“The Government policy is not changing; it has still been the same that there are no teacher incentives that are supposed to be going out to teachers from particularly parents and that position has been there since 2014.”
